MINNEAPOLIS — Safety is a concern for some of the state’s biggest Fourth of July celebrations .
Memories of last year have stayed with Gail Runge, who lives near Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis in a neighborhood where young people chaotically shot off fireworks toward people, homes and vehicles.
“Last year was scary,” she said. “It sounded like there were gunshots in the alley all the time. That was frightening.”
Runge also notices that police are doing more this year.
Two sections of Bde Maka Ska Parkway were closed off to traffic Wednesday and will stay that way through Friday morning.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara spoke Wednesday about the city’s plan.
“If anyone threatens the safety or property of others, we will act,” he said. “We will make arrests and work with our Hennepin County partners to book those responsible into jail.”
Sixteen people were arrested last year for shooting fireworks at people and even police cars.